Survivor Shares Story of Escape from Triple-Murder Suicide in Peyton, Colorado

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, the lone survivor of a triple-murder suicide near Peyton has come forward for the first time to share his harrowing tale of escape. Tyler Vanelac, 22, recounts the events that led up to the tragedy and how he managed to survive his brother’s rampage.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call on the morning of December 7th, alerting them to an overnight shooting on Akawi Way in Peyton. Upon arrival, deputies were confronted with a gruesome scene – four lifeless bodies and one critically injured individual. The deceased victims have been identified as Desiree N. Vandelac, 54, Robert V. Vandelac, 57, and Debray A. Scott, 30. The Sheriff’s Office has classified their deaths as homicides.

Surprisingly, Tyler’s brother Peyton S. Vandelac, 22, who was also found dead at the scene, has not been classified as a homicide victim, raising questions about the nature of his involvement in the incident.

In an exclusive interview with KRDO13, Tyler Vanelac recounts the events leading up to that fateful night. He reveals that tensions between him and his brother started brewing on December 6th at their family home. The two brothers had been watching movies in the basement when Peyton, under the influence of heavy drinking, became agitated over a trivial matter – fixing their dog’s water fountain.

Tyler recalls the argument escalating rapidly, with Peyton charging at him, resulting in a physical altercation that left Tyler with a dislocated shoulder. Their parents, who witnessed the incident, intervened and reprimanded Peyton for his actions.

As Tyler prepared to seek medical attention for his injured shoulder, he was startled by loud bangs emanating from the upper floor of their home. Rushing upstairs, he discovered his parents lying lifeless in the hallway, while his brother stood nearby, wiping what appeared to be a knife on their father’s pant leg.

Tragically, Debray Scott, a close friend who had been watching movies with the brothers in the basement, was also found dead at the scene.

Now, Tyler finds himself residing in the same house, attempting to come to terms with the traumatic events that unfolded. With his loyal canine companions and feline companion by his side, he grapples with the unimaginable. “My brother seemed completely stable the entire rest of the day up until this moment, and I don’t understand how someone can go from being a seemingly normal human being to committing triple homicide and then taking their own life over a mere disagreement,” Tyler expressed, struggling to comprehend the incomprehensible.

While the autopsies are still underway at the El Paso County Coroner’s office, the Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation into this horrific incident.